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Gus Hansen’s money woes overstated.
Gus Hansen is the only player to win four WPT titles; he has a book and a poker DVD out, and is a model for a Danish fashion brand. Since bursting onto the poker scene some years ago, he has become a fan favorite the world over for his over the top, cavalier style of play, not to mention his rugged girl-friendly looks. However, with his fame comes the inevitable influx of controversy. One of those rumors is that Gus, despite being a consistent winner in the pro circuit and the online poker game, suffers from money woes time and again.
Despite that bit (about money problems) appearing in most of his bios online, Hansen fans find it simply hard to believe. As of the latest count, Gus Hansen has over $7.1 Million in recorded career tournament earnings. He’s had a much-publicized $2 Million plus winnings in October on FullTiltPoker.com. Yet the rumors persist, and the money woe assertions are still to be found in his many bios.
Part of the blame may be from his open admission in an interview about his unlucky sports wagering habit. Competitive person that he is, he seems to be unable to resist betting on sports, saying “I’ve always been a big sports fan so I bet on things I’m interested in. I guess it adds a little spice. I bet on the tennis and Arsenal v Manchester United – things I like to watch. I had a bet on Federer to win in Australia.”*
There was also that time when Doyle Brunson reportedly lent Hansen $4 million, which he said Gus paid back almost immediately.
Another issue that may have contributed to the rumor is that he reportedly has huge losses during live cash games. Hansen is known to be a regular in The Big Game normally held in "Bobby’s Room" at the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas.
But let’s step back a bit, and analyze. Who’s never bet on their favorite team or player? True sports fans know that betting on your team is a natural part of sports. And those fans that don’t bet surely have had the urge to try every once in a while (c’mon, you know you do).
And what’s with a friend lending money to a friend when he accidentally left his checkbook at home? Besides, it’s not like the report said Gus stiffed him. He paid him back – almost immediately! Paying back $4 mil? That to me sounds like the man HAS money, and not a man suffering from the lack of it.
Asked about his money woes, Hansen responds, “No, it's kinda like when people say I play every hand - it's not true. There's always lot of rumors and I did lose a lot in the big game. It's really no secret. Early last year I did lose a lot in that game. I wasn't broke, but you know how everything has been exaggerated like suddenly I've lost 12 million, now I just smile at it.”**
Referring to his alleged money woes, Hansen adds, “It’s been a long time since I worried about where the next tournament buy-in is coming from, regardless of what you may have heard.”**
After looking at all the sides, there really seems to be no real proof that ‘The Great Dane’ ever or will ever go broke. Chances are he’ll still rake in the chips and still do it in his fan friendly aggressive style.
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